Eminent persons in human history emerge either through a fortuitous combination or by sheer grace of providence to serve a purpose for the good of humankind. This is the class of people to which Professor Anthony Elueze belongs. Prof Anthony Elueze was principled, methodical, service based and a man blessed with profound amiable personality. His numerous accomplishments and contributions to scholarship and human capital development provided these soubriquets, which will indeed outlive him. Professor Elueze, you are gone but your legacies lives on! This medium is so limited to bring to the fore your ebullience and mercurial endowments. Nevertheless, your outstanding records of distinction can not be ignored but aptly an enviable addition to the data base of great men of history in the frame of great legends like Physicist Albert Einstein, renowned geologists – Brent Cook and Raghnatharao. It is on record that you were the first person ever to earn a First Class BSc Geology degree from the nation’s premier University- University of Ibadan, a phenomenal feat that earned you immediate appointment as academic staff of the Department of Geology, UI, immediately after your NYSC in 1975. You were highly respected for your outstanding scholarship, especially classical and pioneering contributions to the scientific breakthroughs in mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and economic geology among others. Your products are all over the world contributing to global development in many spheres of life!

It is for these reasons that I am compelled to come out of my shell to write this tribute after I had resolved not write any tribute again following recent experience. 

I recall Prof. Elueze’s passion and fond memories of his NYSC at the Government College, Bida in 1974. Yes, that was the strong cod and indeed serious bond that connected Prof. Elueze and myself. Bida was part of him after 1974 and will remain a fond chapter many will associate him with. He was in love with Bida for his experiences and its preeminence in the annals of history as the ancestral headquarters of Nupe people around the world. It is also worthy of note that Government College, Bida where he served is the great institution that produced eminent Nigerians like Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Mohammed Magoro, Sani Bello, Garba Duba, Gado Nasko, Sani Sami, Mamman Vatsa, and other notable citizens. Little wonder then that when the young Uncle Tony as his students fondly called him arrived BIDA about 13 years after these great Nigerians left the school, the energy of memories of his experience built a critical mass of beautiful narratives of his one-year sojourn in Bida. He will always ask after his students who he taught at the famous Government College Bida, the Principal late Idris Kpaki (who became Deputy Governor in 1979 and Minister in 1994). He was always delighted about his encounter with late Etsu Nupe, Umar Sanda Ndayako, a Melambite, and Late Shehu Musa (Makama Nupe), a Bellite who was also Ezeayin of Ibusa and some of his students like Sule Shehu, late AVM Ibrahim Salihu and teacher Rachael Yisa. 

That was how Prof. Elueze became so attached to me and by extension introduced me to his closest friends (Prof. Chris Ikporukpo and Late Prof. Segun Omole). So it was natural for Prof Elueze as the then National President to bring to Niger State the National Conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), which took place at Minna in 2011. It was a memorable reunion with his old students in Minna. There was no time we met that Bida will not surface in our discussion. He was available and ever ready to spend quality time for discussions on scholarship, career and life in general. Elueze’s passion and affection was easily palpable and infectious beyond limit. This was aptly captured by one of his old students in Government College Bida in his reply to me:

“… let's console ourselves that Prof Elueze lived and left an enviable life very rare in our clime. Detribalized, honest, sincere, open minded, friendly to all. Always there as a shoulder for ALL to hang onto. I couldn't hold back the tears as soon as you broke the sad news. I have indeed lost a rare, very rare friend in my life. God knows best why Prof Elueze had to go now. May He give me, us the strength, courage and fortitude to bear his loss. God give me the courage to stop the tears. Okun sir. Adieu Prof Elueze. Sule Shehu" 

Prof Elueze, you will forever be remembered for your kind-heartedness, distinctive personality and scholarship. It is not easy to forget your ever cheerful and noble mien, your passion and commitment to your convictions and steadfastness. Part of this is manifest in the Table one spirit where you were pioneer elder - (SME) along with your two co-travellers giving us the epithet of the three musketeers (SME, SMI and SMO). You were the triple three best to admire. 

I have since your departure shared consoling moments with last man standing (SMI) to carry on with the burden in the true spirit of comrade – in- arms. I don't envy him at all. But in true spirit of devotion and commitment that he is known for, I have no doubt he will carry on the goodness that the three of you represented.

I will always remember the purity of Anthony Elueze’s heart that is evident in his choice of words as reflected in sample text messages to me:

Kuta, please accept immense appreciation for the fervent thoughtfulness and affectionate gesture. It’s also warmest compliments and best wishes to the family, for sound health, profound peace, every success and full joy at this divine festivity and always. God bless.  SME  - December 25, 2015

Kuta, Thanks exceedingly, and joyous expectation of the glorious celebration of the Lord’s nativity, may the family also continue to be sustained in every way, by divine blessings and favours. Warmest compliments, best wishes and God bless! Elueze- December 24, 2016.

Certainly every soul shall taste death. From the Almighty we all came and to Him we shall All return. It is your time and Good-bye Prof Anthony Elueze.

• Professor MOHAMMED KUTA YAHAYA,

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan.